Can Alligator Snapping Turtles Be Kept in Deep Water? A Detailed Guide to Proper Care

When it comes to turtle-keeping techniques, plenty of people can talk endlessly, but since there are so many kinds of turtles, different breeds differ greatly from one another. The alligator snapping turtle is one of them, and because it is highly aggressive, it rarely has natural enemies. Many people still do not know enough about it, and they do not even know how to begin with the most basic care.

How to keep an alligator snapping turtle

1. Housing environment

Get a tank, the bigger the better, preferably a rectangular glass aquarium, though a large plastic storage bin will also do. Aquatic turtles live in water, and the water depth for keeping turtles is generally just slightly higher than the turtle's shell; there is no need for it to be too deep, and at most it should not exceed 2 times the height of the shell. It is best to provide a stone that rises above the water surface so the turtle can climb up and bask. In summer, watch out for algae growing in the tank; you can buy an algae remover, which is generally sold at aquarium shops.

2. Preparing the water

Use tap water that has been left standing for more than 2 days (to remove chlorine). It is best to prepare 2 plastic buckets of standing water, which will be enough for water changes. It is recommended to change the water every two to three days, and each time only change part of it; there is no need to change all the water in the tank unless the water and the area around the tank are very dirty.

3. Feeding method

Turtles eat in the water, so when feeding, simply put the food directly into the water. Turtles are generally fed pork, beef, small shrimp, small fish, and the livers of poultry and fish. These foods need to be chopped or torn into pieces, but these animal-based foods very easily foul the water, so it is recommended to take the turtle out to feed it.

4. Hibernation management

Each year from October to May of the following year, when the temperature drops below 13°C, the turtle begins to hibernate, and this lasts until the temperature rises to 18°C. A hibernating turtle does not eat or move, it only sleeps. The simplest hibernation method is to move the turtle indoors to a dark, quiet place and let it hibernate in shallow water (water just above the shell). Change the water once a month, and apart from changing the water, try not to disturb the turtle.

Can alligator snapping turtles be kept in deep water

Generally speaking, the feasibility of keeping them in deep water is still debatable. Of course, wild alligator snapping turtles basically go into water of a certain depth to start hunting, but if you keep a snapping turtle in deep water, you will find that with overly deep water, not only is it troublesome for it to surface for air, but each trip up is not so easy, and its breathing naturally looks tiring. So some people who keep snapping turtles, no matter how big the turtle is, do not advocate keeping them in deep water.

What to do if a snapping turtle will not eat

1. Unfamiliar environment: It is normal for a snapping turtle not to eat when it has just entered a new environment. At this point the only thing you can do is wait, and it will be fine once it becomes familiar with the new environment. If you are really worried, you can put it in a dark, quiet place for two days.

2. Unsuitable temperature: The most suitable ambient temperature for a snapping turtle to live in is between 27-30°C. If the temperature is too low, hibernation may occur, and the typical sign of hibernation is not eating or drinking. If this is the cause, you only need a heater rod to warm the water.

3. Food problem: The snapping turtle is a carnivore and very much likes live prey. If conditions allow, it is best to find some small live fish or earthworms to entice the snapping turtle to hunt on its own. However, this is not absolute; fresh vegetables and fruit can also be eaten by them.

How to tell male and female snapping turtles apart

1. First, look at the position of the snapping turtle's cloaca. The position in males is relatively close to the tail end, while in females it is close to the plastron.

2. Second, look at the shape of the snapping turtle's cloaca. The opening in males is elongated, while the opening in females is round.

3. Third, look at the snapping turtle's tail. The tail of a male snapping turtle is relatively thick and large, while the tail of a female snapping turtle is relatively short and thin.

4. Finally, look at the snapping turtle's plastron. Males have a clear indentation in this area, while females appear relatively flat.

Although different kinds of turtles will certainly differ in how they are kept, in practice many aspects of their care are largely the same. But for the alligator snapping turtle, the thing everyone needs to pay most attention to during the keeping process is preventing themselves from being bitten by it.